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Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

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SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-TWO 245<br />

back toward the near bogey, which is forced to defend by turning into the<br />

attack, while the fighter on the right turns away from its bogey. This<br />

turn-away is intended to induce the right-h<strong>and</strong> bogey into turning away<br />

from its wingman by allowing it lateral separation <strong>and</strong> some offensive<br />

advantage. The bogey pilot sees a lot of fighter belly, the "Blue Max"<br />

flashes before his eyes, <strong>and</strong> he goes for what appears to be an easy kill<br />

against an enemy who apparently does not see him. The dragging pilot<br />

must time his turn-away very carefully so as not to give the bogey a decent<br />

shot at the pass (time "3"), considering its weapons capabilities. Meanwhile<br />

the bracketing pilot passes outside his bogey at time "3," then<br />

essentially ignores it <strong>and</strong> heads straight for the other bogey. Between times<br />

"4" <strong>and</strong> "5," the pilot of the dragging fighter continues to tempt the bogey<br />

pilot by holding him near, but preferably just outside, an effective firing<br />

envelope. Against a slower bogey, arcing is useful for this purpose because<br />

it allows the bogey to stay fairly close so that its pilot does not get<br />

disinterested <strong>and</strong> start looking around at what is going on. By time "5" the<br />

bogey has been suckered into a s<strong>and</strong>wich, with its wingman way off in left<br />

field <strong>and</strong> unable to render assistance. Following destruction of this bogey,<br />

the fighters can rejoin in a good defensive formation <strong>and</strong> either exit the<br />

fight or return to engage the remaining bogey.<br />

Although the drag can be a very useful device, it is in general more risky,<br />

<strong>and</strong> therefore less desirable, than the bracket. Intentional drags place one<br />

fighter at an unnecessary disadvantage while it serves as the "bait." This<br />

pilot could be in serious danger if his supporting wingman comes under<br />

attack <strong>and</strong> must defend himself or just becomes distracted <strong>and</strong> loses sight<br />

of the dragging fighter. There is also the possibility that the bogeys may not<br />

Figure 6-2. The Drag

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